The Devil's Walk

by Brian Harmon

As she sits at her dying grandfather’s bedside, Amanda is told an incredible tale. But are these disturbing revelations of his life merely the addled fabrications of a cancer-ridden mind, or is there any truth to his frightening claim that a dark and menacing figure has been roaming the land all these many years. About 6,500 words.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fiction

ebook

First published June 7, 2012

About the author

Brian Harmon is an independent author of horror fiction, suspense and dark adventure. He grew up in Missouri and currently lives in Southern Wisconsin with his wife, Guinevere, and their three children.

Reviews

[Brandon Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death stalks us

Sometimes we are lucky or unfortunately able to see it coming and still unable to stop or avoid it.

This is one such story.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a short story - a freaky short story - for my Freakin Friday post. I swiped my finger across my Kindle and this is where it stopped. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the trees. I love my trees and these trees had an air of the macabre about them. I could feel the evil rolling off them. I just knew this would be scary good and it was.

Brian Harmon's descriptions drew pictures in my mind. I could hear the trickling of the water and feel the breeze brush against my skin.

I went from curiosity to terror, to a warm happy feeling, then horror and fright. Then, damn, it's over. But Brian Harmon tricked me. There is more and it is even more horrible and heartbreaking than I anticipated. Could there possibly be more? I hope not. Enough already. I don't think I can take any more.

Excellent storywriting. This short story has all the elements for a roller coaster ride into hell.

I picked this up free from Amazon when I was browsing for a short story. I have found a fabulous new author that reminds me of Evans and Adam Light, two brothers that define the word horror.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil's Walk by Brian Harmon is a good short story. If you want to read something quick with a horror theme, this is the book for you. The author draws you into the story right away. I was sad to read the end I was enjoying the story. An elderly man comes home from the hospital to die in his own bed. His granddaughter Emma is sitting with him with her daughter who is asleep. He tells her a tale that happened to him years ago in his youth. It's about the devil. Emma knows he doesn't lie and thinks Its the cancer talking. What changes her mind?

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short. Vivid. Was it reality? I don't know, but it was a good little story. I really enjoyed it. Just enough pages to enjoy, not bogged down or over detailed. This story doesn't break new ground but it effectively entertains. I will definitely read more by the author.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carl Delsh is dying. He’s lived a long time and he’s ready to join his love who went 20 years ago.

His granddaughter and great granddaughter sit vigil as his time draws near.

In one of his last lucid moments, he tells his granddaughter, Amanda, about the tall man with long white hair who murdered his best friend Lonnie so many years ago.

This would be the perfect story to tell late at night, sitting in the woods, surrounded by trees, and the only light comes from the sputtering fire you sit around.

You’d be looking over your shoulder, squinting into the darkness.

Did something linger in the dark? Is someone peering back at you?

You’d be waiting from someone to yell Boo! You’d just want the suspense to end.

That’s how this story unfolds. Slowly gaining momentum and building in suspense.

This is not a ghost story. It’s a cautionary tale. And a really creepy one.

[Jessica Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Great, but Not Terrible

Good story, I just have a hard time with short stories..not enough time to really delve into the characters, plot or details. Really could've gone into so much more detail had this been written into a novel rather than a short story. But I LOVE the imagination and creativity of Brian Harmon!! I find myself longing for more and more at the end of each and every one of his works! Excited to continue to get to know him as an author...and find some great books to bide my time until the next of my favorite sites (Hopefully he puts out a third book after Rushed & The Unseen!! I hope!)

[Flamingcrystal Flamingcrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another excellent (freaky) story by Brian Harmon. The story is about Carl, who is on his deathbed with cancer and he wants to share a childhood story with his granddaughter Amanda, who was sitting at his bedside, with her little daughter Emma, Carl’s great granddaughter, on her lap. He then tells Amanda about his childhood friends Lonnie and Eileen. Lonnie died at the hand of an old man with long white hair and Eileen and Carl witnessed Lonnie’s death. Years passed and Carl got married to Eileen. The same killer took Carl and Eileen’s first born, Theodore. Soon after Carl told Amanda the story, Amanda went outside and upon her return she noticed that Carl passed away.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous creepy tale, something to make you peek under the bed hoping not to find monsters.

I love the way this author is able to write so well and bring shivers to my spine.

I don't give spoilers but will say that it may be short but it's a powerful tale for those who enjoy thinking and wondering about the fantastical.

[Christina Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but

Good but

too short...maybe actually gone back in time and tell the story..or continue on with the little girl growing up...but it was good very short story.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little story about a spooky thing that happened on a summer night, long ago. I do wish the ending had been a little bit different...but in the end, doesn't the Grim Reaper come to claim us all?

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story

Things the first Brian Harmon book I've read and I enjoyed this short story. I will definitely read more of this author. He makes it easy to picture the story in your head, and makes you feel like you are there.

[Janice Stinnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it

It was good but short and left lots of questions I felt like it just stopped cause the author either didn't know where to go next or had no where to go I liked the premise if only there was more

[Seth Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man on his deathbed recounts two previous encounters that he has had with a specter that took two very important people in his life. A genuinely creepy story that will leave you needing to pull the covers up at night.

[Joseph Willingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow

It was not the kind of intriguing, thrilling, suspense story that he usually give! It just didn't peek my interest.

[Jeanine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good spooky story.

[Jerry Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

SHORT BUT KINDA SWEET


IT WAS A VERY SHORT STORY. I READ IT IN AN HOUR.IT WAS GOOD FOR A FREE SHORT BOOK.IT REMINDED ME OF STORIES MY FATHER WOULD TELL.

[Chris P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is good, but too short to allow for real environmental and character development.

[Davidgr2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good short story.

[Regis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very creepy! I love it!

[Linda Look · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally like short stories but this was a good one. Very fast read. Kind of eerie.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good short story by an author I admire. I rated it 4.7 stars.